I’m looking for something simple I could QUICKLY throw over the top of my uniform and soft body armor I’m already wearing if responding to an active shooter call. Some MOLLE or something to mount some spare AR mags on the front, and maybe a small medkit on the back would be nice as well.
I saw some reviews that said the plates used in this system aren’t ideal because of they restrict movement too much when shooting, so I was hoping some alternatives could be suggested. I need suggestions for both the carrier and the plates themselves if they are sold separately. As I said above, something simple I can get on in a hurry is my primary concern.
Didn’t see that it came with the plates, I had the advantage of having some extra Pro-Tech plates that we keep for the SWAT guys so I didn’t have to figure that into the overall price. We have not had any problems with them. Not sure how the plates that SKD sells as I have no experience with them, but SKD’s stuff has always been gtg.
I have the PIG carrier. BulletProofme.com can supply plates. We have had great service from SKD and bulletproofme. I wear the PIG carrier for SWAT duties as well as active shooter type set up. It is easy and fast to put on and allows for freedom of movement. My old carrier was the HSGI Wassatch. It is a good carrier but maybe overkill for my needs.
I carry a Tactical Tailor Releasable Carrier for my “active shooter/man with a gun” call loadout. I have level 4 standalone plates in it.
The only suggestion I do have, is if your not well built around your gun (i.e. fat) get a plate carrier with a cumberbund. Otherwise you will have problems with the carrier shifting around on the sides.
The new Blue Force Gear Plate Carrier would be what I’d buy if I were looking for a new carrier.
Even if you’re in shape, standing around for any period of time with a pair of plates and a couple rifle magazines worth of junk hanging from your shoulders, you’ll appreciate a cummerbund. A well designed one is still plenty fast to throw on.
Still, running across an affordable DBT FAPC (with cummerbund attachment if that is what you want) is probably the most affordable setup - a couple single mag pouches and a blowout kit on it and you’re set. There are better units that have come out since then, but if that’s more money towards a well-performing pair of plates to go in it, focus on the plate performance.
If you’re looking for a simple throw over rig that doesn’t necessarily need load carriage capability (MOLLE) then I would look at either the Mayflower Low Profile Carrier or the Velocity Systems LWPC.
If you want the versatility of MOLLE or if you think you may use this for something other than a “trunk rig” then I would look at the PIG or the new Mayflower APC.
Either way, I would go with cumberbund. Whether in shape or not. It will help with PC bounce if you have to move quick, and doesn’t take that much longer to put on.
I personally have the Mayflower APC with the Velocity Systems IIIA soft armor and Level 3 ICW plates that SKD tactical sells. I had a chance to try it out at a class this last weekend, and it is a very well made rig, very low profile, and comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time…(I don’t care what anyone says, wearing an extra 20+ pounds of gear, armor, ammo, and rifle is going to be uncomfortable no matter how you slice it…so you have to learn to just deal with it)
I am currently using a Velocity Systems LWPC with their level 3/4 plates for active shooter situations. I changed out the cummerbund from the standard one to the PIG elastic cummerbund and it works well well! I have a Mayflower QD rig integrated into the carrier with swift clips and overall the vest is comfortable and fast to throw on.
I’m in the boat as toasterlocker. I need something that can be thrown over my uniform quickly in an AS situation. I like what the PIG has to offer but I think it’s too much for me (not as in price). I need something that is simple and rides high off my duty belt. There should be enough room for at least 6 mags and a BOK.
The one that is catching my eye is the Eagle LE Plate Carrier w/ Cummerbund. It looks no frills and has adjustable shoulder straps.
Our policy dictates that we ride with our AR in the trunk. So I would have to stop, pull over, put on the carrier, and take out the AR and put it up front with me before making the hot scene.
A google search for Max Pro armor will get you some of their own videos of them shooting the plates with various calibers. This was the best deal on stand alone IV plates I could find, me and a handful of other guys got in on them about a year ago. They had a deal for both plates and a Blackhawk carrier, $499 delivered.
I ran the Blackhawk carrier for a while until I could get something else. I’ve got an Eagle plate carrier now. Much better than the BH, but I’ll upgrade when I can afford to.
I’ve got buddies who have the DBT FAPC and the PIG, both are great carriers, I plan on getting the PIG when I have funds AND they’re in stock. Also, like others have said, get the cumberbund if you can wear it without impeding you duty weapon.
I’ve used both the BH and Eagle on warrant service and appropriate hot calls, as well as training. I’m no body builder but I’m fit, they take some getting used to with all the other crap we wear. I leave one side buckled, throw it on, buckle and cinch the open side (no cumberbund). It’s pretty quick to get on. On a slow weekend day I went back behind a school and practiced from seatbelted in the car to egress and carrier on from out of the trunk (where it rides).
I’m not a fan of a cummerbund for AS response-oritented plate carriers. I used the Eagle PC w/ cummerbund for a while and found it slow to don. I switched to the Paraclete Hard Plate Carrier (HPC) several years ago and find it much quicker to don than a carrier w/ a CB. Simply throw it on and tighten a single strap (if I have time). No need in lifting a flap, securing the CB, and dropping the flap.
Does the Eagle carrier ride high enough to stay out of the way of a duty belt?
Although speed is essential I plan on donning the carrier away from the active scene. But we all know things happen without notice… A normal controlled scene may turn ugly in an instant. I think at that point I’m just grabbing whatever I can and seeking cover until the situation can be assessed.
Obviously torso length will play a role in if the rig will interfere with the belt line, but if you go with the PIG or APC or LWPC you should have no problems.
As for the CB vs Buckle issue, if you really don’t have the time to don a CB system, then you are probably already behind on the “power curve” (or whatever you wanna call it) and shouldn’t be buckling or tightening anything anyways.
I have found that if I throw on my APC without securing the CB on my right side (the left stays attached) then it will stay relatively centered and provide ballistic support to most of my torso area and I can manuever with it unattached enough to get the job done…not ideal by any means, but doable if your life depended on it.
I wouldn’t mind grabbing the PIG before the price increase but they are out of black. Damnit. Not that looking somewhat decent is important during an AS scene but I have to look somewhat in uniform. Now what else goes with a baby blue uniform shirt? :rolleyes:
just got my PIG, im not LEO/mil, i have a smaller build but the adjustability is great. However if you wanted a PC to put on quickly, the PIG isnt as quick as others. I suppose you can have the cummerbund and one of the shoulder clips not attached, then when you need to to it on, just slip it on clip in and velcro the cummerbund down.
I went through this same process last summer for the “right” plate carrier as my active shooter rig. I settled on the SOHPC from Paraclete and it has worked out very well. Since most of you are PIG users, I was curious if there is an option to run soft armor on the cummerbund? I know side plate pockets are an option. Be Safe!
